'Nervous' Vokoun says he'll enjoy chance with Penguins

May 9, 2013
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Pittsburgh goalie Tomas Vokoun (92) makes a save on a shot from Ottawa defenseman Jared Cowan (2) in the first period at Scotiabank Place on April 22. Vokoun is expected to make his first playoff appearance since 2007 tonight. / Marc DesRosiers, USA TODAY Sports

by Kevin Allen, USA TODAY Sports

by Kevin Allen, USA TODAY Sports

Tomas Vokoun said he plans to "enjoy" being the Pittsburgh Penguins' starting goaltending tonight against the New York Islanders because as a 36-year-old backup he wasn't sure he would ever play another playoff game.

"You play hockey to be in these moments," Vokoun said. "You don't play to go to the morning skates and take shots."

When Vokoun plays tonight in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal, it will be his first postseason appearance since 2007 when was with the Nashville Predators.

"Everyone is nervous," Vokoun said. 'You wouldn't be human if you weren't. I've played long enougn. I've been through a lot, and hopefully that will help carry me through."

Vokoun was 13-4 for the Penguins this season, and 3-0 against the New York Islanders. He's 3-8 as a NHL playoff goalie, but he owns a .922 save percentage.

"Every game is different," Vokoun said. "Obviously this going to be a lot different than Game 35 of the regular-season."

It's a lot different because the No. 1 Penguins are tied 2-2 with the No. 8 Islanders and there is considerable discussion in the city about Fleury's struggles.

"Losing â?? that's what is hard," said Fleury. " ... I wish I would have done better."

Fleury has given up 40 goals in his past 10 playoff games, and the Penguins had signed Vokoun last season just to have an attractive option if Fleury faltered.

Vokoun said he watched Fleury closely and didn't pinpoint any real issues. He said he didn't think Fleury was nervous.